The UK’s leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection is calling on cat owners in the West Midlands to nominate their remarkable moggies for 2018’s prestigious National Cat Awards.

Now in its tenth year, the awards celebrate the difference cats make to owners’ lives by highlighting heart-warming stories of devotion, companionship and courage.

Entries open on Tuesday 9 January and owners have until noon on Friday 9 March to nominate their cat for one of five categories:

• Hero Cat – Cats that save the day
• Most Caring Cat – Cats that positively impact a person’s health or wellbeing
• Furr-ever Friends – Tales of friendship between children and cats
• Outstanding Rescue Cat – Fabulous felines adopted from animal charities
• Purina® Better Together – Celebrating the special bond that has transformed and enriched the lives of both a feline and human

Evie, who is now on the road to recovery, said: “I missed her every day I was in hospital and my family could tell she missed me. She’s my best friend and is always there when I need her. I was so happy to win our category but to win the overall title as well was really amazing, incredible.”

Chizzy Akudolu, from Holby City and Strictly 2017, said: “As a cat owner myself, and having attended last year’s awards, I’ve seen first-hand what a tremendous difference they can make to people’s lives. So get nominating as this is their time to shine.”

A panel of celebrity cat-lovers has the hard job of selecting the deserving category winners as well as honouring this year’s National Cat of the Year. Sponsored by PURINA® for the seventh year, winners will be presented with a trophy and prizes at a star studded ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday 2 August 2018.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Services (JIS) Ian Boyne will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingstong on the 14th January 2018 at 10am.

Members of the public are invited to join in the celebration of the life of the veteran journalist and may view the body prior to the start of the service from 8:30 am to 10:00 am.

A condolence book will be opened, and the service will be streamed live on the JIS Facebook page as well as carried live on JNN.

His body will be interred at the Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine.

An extra 50 volunteers joined City of Wolverhampton Council’s volunteering scheme ‘Snow Wolves’ assisting council officers in clearing snow and ice from pavements during the severe winter weather last month.

Snow Wolves has around 220 dedicated volunteers who lend their community a helping hand during the winter period.

Now in its third year, the council is looking to drum-up more volunteers to join the pack, with the aim to hit the 1,000-mark by the end of the year.

Volunteers will receive a free snow shovel, two 3kg shaker tubs of rock salt and a high visibility vest to undertake the works.

In return, they are asked to make a commitment to use the equipment for the benefit of their community in the event of heavy snow and ice, complementing the council's winter service.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: "By joining our team of Snow Wolves you will be a true hero for your community when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

"In the event of heavy snow and ice, the council's priority is to grit and clear the highway network to keep the roads safe and moving - ensuring the city doesn't grind to a halt.

"This vital work means that we can't always get out to treat all pavements and driveways as quickly as we would like to - that's where Snow Wolves come in.

“Our team of volunteers braved the snow and ice to clear pavements and doorsteps of elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents last month. They did an amazing job – we just need more people who know their local areas to pitch in and help their neighbours in need.

“If this sounds like you, I strongly encourage you to sign up and join our fantastic team.”

Many Snow Wolves have been praised by their neighbours for their hard work in assuring their streets, pathways and driveways are accessible and safe to use.

Volunteer Ahsan Saeed joined Snow Wolves last winter, he said: “It was great to be able to help my local community. The scheme allowed us to have the amenities to help local elderly people by defrosting and clearing walkways and pathways.

“The road was also rather hazardous with cars skidding a great deal, the shovel helped by allowing us to make a clear way for vehicles to get out of the street safely. Overall, Snow Wolves is a great initiative and effective to help those who need it most.”

Councillor Evans added: “I would like to thank our existing Snow Wolves for all their hard work and dedication especially during the recent heavy snowfall. You have all made a significant difference to your community and for that, you should be proud.”

Snow Wolves packs will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Applicants should be physically fit and aged over 18.

Visitors to Wolverhampton city centre will now see streets, public features and open spaces brought to life by new LED lighting throughout the year.

Phase one of the Lighting Up the City project got underway in August and is already helping create a brighter and more inviting environment that feels safe during both day and night.

The focus of the scheme is on a 1.5-mile walking route through the city centre.

It has so far seen the dressing of the Dudley Street and Cheapside trees with lights along with other locations, as well as a light curtain in Exchange Street.

The Queen Square fountain and steps, and St Peter’s Gardens have had new lights installed, while uplighters now showcase the Lady Wulfruna statue outside St Peter’s Church and Lock Street open space.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “This project aims to showcase some of the many architecturally interesting features and buildings in the city, create a more interesting and attractive environment throughout the night and day, and create a greener and more inviting environment.

“The lighting up of selected areas of trees across the city centre and public features has already significantly enhanced the city centre environment.

“In creating a more inviting and safer environment it is anticipated that footfall will increase within the city resulting in economic benefits for the area. In addition, the inclusion of a walking route within the city is anticipated to contribute towards healthier lifestyles by increasing physical activity participation levels.

“The scheme is of course being carried out with the environment in mind by using LED lighting to reduce energy demand.”

Prior to phase one work to upgrade existing lighting schemes within the city, including the Cenotaph at St Peter’s Square, and the Ionic Order at Wednesfield, was completed.

Long-term plans include the introduction of pocket parks - small green spaces in an urban setting.

A number of buildings and structures have also been identified across the city centre for enhanced lighting and will require agreement and support from a number of different partners.

The council has had discussions with partners such as the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, House of Fraser, and the Mander Centre, as the final proposal is developed.

The council is also looking to introduce lighting schemes as part of new developments, such as the £55 million Westside project, and within forthcoming public realm improvement and connectivity projects that are being developed as part of the Connected Places Strategy delivery plan.

Efforts will also be made to introduce planning conditions that require developers to bring forward lighting schemes as part of any future city centre sites.

The council intends to lead by example by proposing a specific lighting scheme to enhance the main entrance of the city’s art gallery to showcase the many architectural aspects of the building.

The hunt is on for the Midland’s Best Bridesmaid with stag and hen experts Red7 leading the search.

Did your Bridesmaid go above and beyond to make your big day the best it could be? Perhaps she created a perfect bridal survival kit or took charge of the wedding to ensure that bridezilla did not surface.

Whatever the reason, if your Bridesmaid brought the essence of #squadgoals, Red7 wants to know!

Red7 is the original and best specialist stag and hen travel agents and boasts over two decades of experience. To honour the hard work that bridesmaids put into weddings, Red7 is asking couples country-wide to nominate their Best Bridesmaid with heart-warming and remarkable tales of why they should be crowned the nation’s finest.

The crème de la crème will not only claim the glory of being the region’s Best Bridesmaid, she will also be treated to mini ‘BridesmaidMoon’ for two on a short European Cruise to Amsterdam and Bruges*.

Ian Lucas, Founder of Red7, commented: “We are excited to discover the Midland's Best Bridesmaid and see the entries that will no doubt be full of everything from hilarious stories to tear jerking memories.

“The spotlight is usually firmly on the bride and groom on the big day, and rightly so. We thought it would be fun to take a look behind the scenes to the ladies running around to ensure that all is perfect from start to finish. Nominate the best of the best from your #WedSquad and give her the recognition she deserves.”

Last year’s winner, Jessica Greener said: “I’ve been a bridesmaid six times so far! Winning this title is a real testament to the relationships I have with my best friends. I have loved being a part of each wedding, it’s so important that I can be there for my friends as they start out on their next adventure.”

When it came to organising a festival-themed hen party last year, Jessica was a self-proclaimed ‘bridesmaidzilla’, “I was a complete control freak, organising everything from the flower garlands to the cocktail recipes. I got a reputation amongst our friends as the hen do party-planner for everyone tying the knot. I must be doing something right – I’ve just been asked to be a bridesmaid for another wedding in the summer!”

British parents will spend an average of £4,886.28 on birthdays through primary school according to new research from Barclays. This is despite a third (33%) admitting that they buy more presents than their children need and 31% admitting they should spend their money in more intelligent ways.

In a survey of 1,000 British parents with children aged eight or below, it was revealed that the average parent will spend £164.65 on presents, £433.39 on parties and £100.06 on presents for other children every year. In addition to this high expense, parents also revealed they will spend as much as £223.05 on party bags. And with parents expected to have to fork out an average of £60,000 on the expenses children’s school years bring, from school uniforms, to trips, to extra-curricular activities, the strain on savings is only going to deepen in later life.

Looking at the regions in the UK most guilty of overspending on their children’s birthdays, London came out on top – the average Londoner set to spend £5,047.72 through primary school. This was followed closely by the North East and North West regions, with inhabitants set to spend an average of £4,313.72 and £3,532.01 respectively.

The research showed that parents feel immense financial strain due to the amount they spend on birthdays, with half (50%) admitting to having sacrificed other financial commitments such as saving and investing to afford extravagant birthday costs.

• The people of Scotland are most aware of their overspending, with almost half of people surveyed (42%) thinking that they buy their children more presents than they need
• Londoners are most guilty of dipping into their savings to pay for birthdays, with almost a quarter (24%) admitting to dipping into their rainy day fund
• The research found that the people living in the West Midlands are the most remorseful, with over a third (38%) believing  they could have used the money spent on presents in better ways
• Those living in East Anglia are most likely to sacrifice their own needs to throw their children the perfect party, with almost a quarter (23%) admitting this.
• Londoners admit that their children are the most spoilt due to the amount of presents they receive (27%)

Clare Francis, Savings and Investments Director at Barclays, said: “As a parent, it’s easy to understand why people spend so much money on their children on their birthdays, but the money you spend on this one day adds up and ultimately can end up having quite an impact on the savings you might have otherwise put aside for your child’s future, especially since many of us are juggling just to make ends meet each month already.

For anyone spending more than they think they should, it’s perhaps time to reassess the amount you’d typically spend on birthdays and take a longer term view. Although it seems worthwhile now, there are plenty of moments later in their lives when having that bit of extra money will help, whether it be funding items for school or a trip abroad. So make the decision to not get carried away and hold firm in not bowing down to peer pressure for their next birthday – it could make a big difference in the future.”

Naughty naughty

The research also revealed some of the misbehaviours of children at birthday parties, which included anecdotes about children blowing out candles on the birthday cake, eating the sweets they brought as gifts and stealing the birthday money.

Looking at the most common misbehaviours, a fifth (20%) of parents have said they have witnessed a bust up between children at their child’s party. One in five have endured a child’s guest having a tantrum and one in 10 have had a child turn up uninvited.

Parents ranked their home as the most stressful place to host a children’s birthday party, followed by a swimming pool and a restaurant – completing the top three.